When your baby turns his face away from you, it can be a sign that he needs a break from eye contact. This behavior typically starts to occur around the age of two months. According to Dr. Acredolo, a renowned expert in child development, babies often disconnect from eye contact when they are feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated.
At around two months, babies are starting to become more aware of their surroundings and are becoming increasingly curious about the world around them. While eye contact is an important way for babies to connect with their caregivers and learn about social interactions, it can also be quite intense for them at times.
Think about it from your baby’s perspective. Imagine constantly being bombarded with visual stimuli, whether it’s the bright lights in the room, the colors and patterns on the walls, or even just the close proximity of your face. All of these things can be overwhelming for a small baby who is still learning how to process and make sense of the world.
When babies turn their faces away, it’s their way of self-regulating and taking a break from the intensity of eye contact. It doesn’t mean that they don’t love or want to engage with you; they simply need a moment to gather themselves and refocus their attention.
It’s important to respect your baby’s need for breaks from eye contact. Pushing for too much eye contact or trying to force your baby to engage when they are clearly signaling that they need space can lead to further discomfort and potentially a negative association with eye contact.
Instead, try to pay attention to your baby’s cues and body language. If you notice that they are turning their face away or becoming fussy during eye contact, it may be a good time to give them a break. This could mean looking away yourself, offering them a toy or object to focus on, or simply giving them some quiet time to relax.
It’s worth noting that every baby is different, and some may be more sensitive to eye contact than others. If you find that your baby consistently turns away from eye contact or seems unusually distressed during these interactions, it may be worth discussing with your pediatrician or a child development specialist.
Remember, as your baby grows and develops, their ability to handle and enjoy eye contact will also improve. It’s a gradual process, and with time, they will become more comfortable and engaged in these interactions. In the meantime, be patient, understanding, and responsive to your baby’s needs for breaks from eye contact.